116 DOCS. 101, 102 JULY-AUGUST 1915 I am very sorry for Kaufler[2] concerning his loss. He is not alone with it. Such hard fates have a quite different effect on people than one should have thought. Rather than aspiring to the realization that they should not let themselves be led blindly and should discard all unjustifiably acquired trust so as not to be abused in a shameful way, they hurl their hatred senselessly wherever the bellwethers want it. No education and intellectual cultivation seems to be able to protect against this wretched madness. The upright few surely have an inborn ability to remain honest. Read the moving little book Christianity and Patriotism by Tolstoy.[3] The obvious is said there simply and plainly, so movingly in his resignation. Tolstoy knows that what he says will be of no help, even though it ends on a more optimistic note with a hymn to the development and cleansing of public opinion.[4] He has not like me traveled with soldiers and relished their stupidity and crudeness. Do not delay my trip to Zurich out of consideration, because you think the matter might turn out to be partly unpleasant. In this regard I am prepared for anything. Only be guided by when you are available. The education director’s office asked me about Piccard. I have recommended him.[5] It is wonderful here. Never have I been able to rest so well since adulthood. Surely I have already written you that I held 6 lectures at Göttingen in which I was able to convince Hilbert of the general theory of relativity. I am quite enchanted with the latter, a man of astonishing energy and independence in all things.[6] Sommerfeld is also beginning to agree;[7] Planck and Laue are remaining aloof. I do not yet understand your suggestion regarding applying statistics. Again sincere thanks & affectionate greetings, yours, Einstein. 102. To Wander and Geertruida de Haas [Sellin,] Monday [2 August 1915] My Dears, I am very cheered by your letter, from which I gather that you have terminated [your lease] properly.[1] Now certainly no obstacle remains for the dispatch of the furniture. Thursday evening I am coming to Berlin and shall provide then for a prompt settlement. Affectionate greetings, yours, Einstein.